ABC News Writers Secure AI Protections in New Contract
- Theoplis Stewart II
- Feb 21
- 1 min read
ABC News Writers Secure AI Protections in New Contract
AI is transforming media, but ABC News’ unionized writers just set a precedent for job security. In a new three-year contract, the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) secured protections ensuring no staffers will be laid off due to AI.
The deal also requires management to give advance notice before introducing AI into workflows and to negotiate any impacts with the union. Semi-annual meetings will review AI’s role in the newsroom.
Beyond AI, the contract boosts pay by 3.5% annually, gives desk assistants a 17% raise, expands health benefits, and introduces paid parental leave for temporary employees. Writers will now also receive credit for their work when it’s repurposed online or on streaming platforms.
This agreement marks a major step in ensuring that AI enhances journalism without replacing human writers.
📖 Source: Katie Kilkenny, “ABC News Agrees to AI Protections for Writers in Latest Contract,” The Hollywood Reporter, January 28, 2025.
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